Raymond Antocicco: Friedman-style educational choice

Wednesday

Jul 9, 2014 at 10:58 AMJul 9, 2014 at 10:58 AM

By Raymond Antocicco

It thrills me to write this brief summer essay about one of my greatest passions in life, the cause of economic educational choice. While in the work, I would be asked often, Dr. A., do you think we will ever get school choice, so that all parents can have the economic resources to choose the schools they really want for their kids?"I must admit, that I do not see it happening in my career, but I do think there is hope that it will happen in my lifetime, I would respond.I was certainly right about the first part of that statement, it did not happen during my career in education. However, thanks to work done by such leaders as the late Milton and Rose Friedman and their Friedman Foundation of Indianapolis, Indiana, my hope shines brighter everyday. National award-winning economist Milton Friedman, along with his wife Rose, dedicated many years of their lives to the cause of economic educational choice. Hence, for me, as well as many countless other Americans, they are national heroes. During the Friedmans' lifetime they launched what many are hoping will be an educational American revolution, where we throw off the yoke of governmental monopoly on education and replace it with clear, economic, educational choice for all parents.Here are some Friedman Foundation leaders' quotes:- "...the public financing of education through taxes can and should be separated from the public administration of education."  Milton Friedman.The next several quotes are from Robert Enlow, current foundation president.- "The shackling of education tax dollars to a government monopoly has led to expensive, unresponsive and frequently union-controlled public school systems that are ... re-segregating public education by economics and zip codes."- "...just like the first one, the second (educational) revolution is also firmly grounded in our American commitment to individual freedom and liberty... "- "Americans have become increasingly frustrated with a K-12 public school system that monopolizes ever-increasing amounts of taxpayer funds..."- "The movement ... for choice has gained incredible momentum. Today a record number of American families are taking advantage of 39 educational choice programs in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Also, 14 states have introduced new choice programs."- "This march toward educational freedom truly is a revolution, one that took years to ignite but which is now sweeping across America like a prairie fire!"On Thursday, July 31, that prairie fire is spreading to our area. That evening the Friedman Foundation will be sponsoring Friedman Legacy Day event at the Webster Public Library. One of their top speakers, Stephanie Linn, from foundation headquarters, will be the keynote speaker. The program, free and open to the public, will focus on the question: Can alternative educational placement assist in combating bullying abuse? The program, starting at 6 p.m., will also feature a panel discussion, a mom's reflections of her bullied child's experience in public school and a panel discussion. Refreshments will be provided by the Rochester Red Wings. The program is co-sponsored by LIFE CONQUERORS Beat The Odds! Seating is limited, so pre-registration is advised, but not required. Call (585) 787-4287 for further information. I hope to see a number of you there.Raymond Antocicco, who holds a doctorate degree in education, is a former school administrator. He lives in Webster.